Arc keeps going out help

[indy4x]

I had one of them for 20+ years, it worked, striking the arc could take a few goes but that was probably my fault

It didn't get used much, maybe twice a year but always got the job done

It had a 13A plug and you definitely couldn't go mental with the amps as the fuse would blow and I didn't have a 16A supply at the time

Would occasionally lose the arc and I always blamed the rods as they were older than the welder but that was an assumption. Seemed to work better after the rods were warmed up

 

[Thebeast]

The video looks like you have 7018 rods.
They act like that on A.C.

They say 6013 I did get them from screwfix but I also have some 2.4mm electrodes aswell and they do the same thing. They are Clarke from machine mart. Just find it annoying when they keep going out. Il just keep practicing with what I have and see if things improve and if not il see if I can find a cheap mma and try that.

 

[Erie Fred]

They say 6013 I did get them from screwfix but I also have some 2.4mm electrodes aswell and they do the same thing. They are Clarke from machine mart. Just find it annoying when they keep going out. Il just keep practicing with what I have and see if things improve and if not il see if I can find a cheap mma and try that.

The first part of the video shows you having to bang the rod to break off the flux.
While i don't run 6013 anymore, I don't recall that acting like that.

Only 7018 seems to do this.

And if your trying to run "normal" 7018 on AC, it will go out frequently just as you describe. Hobart does make a "AC 7018" rod but it is pretty rare.

 

[Wozzaaah]

The first part of the video shows you having to bang the rod to break off the flux.
While i don't run 6013 anymore, I don't recall that acting like that.

Only 7018 seems to do this.

And if your trying to run "normal" 7018 on AC, it will go out frequently just as you describe. Hobart does make a "AC 7018" rod but it is pretty rare.

He's said they're marked 6013, Screwfix only sell 6013.

 

[Erie Fred]

He's said they're marked 6013, Screwfix only sell 6013.

I read that a few times.
I have no way of knowing What all Screwfix Sells eh ?

I stand by what I saw, the flux sticking on the end is acting like 7018

 

[addjunkie]

First thing I would try is a clean bench and make sure the return connection is good, try the clamp onto the work piece where it has been cleaned. Then buy some new rods of a decent quality and keep them in a warm dry place in the house.

 

[Popcorn]

Go get some more rods from a reputable welding supplier, Screwfix rods where ok about 5 years ago.
When I first used them they where ok, but ever since then they've been a load of rubbish.

 

[Farside]

My neighbour has a machine like that, hateful thing to use.

I have an old buzzbox and built my bike trailer with it, 30 years ago. It was ok, but nothing stellar.
It lay unused for a long time and then only got occasional use, but the results were a bit rubbish.
Then it got caught in the flood.
I dried it out and cleaned all the connections, internal and external.
The time after that, it sparked into life better than ever.
Only shows, it was needing a good clean all the time.

 

[Wozzaaah]

I read that a few times.
I have no way of knowing What all Screwfix Sells eh ?

I stand by what I saw, the flux sticking on the end is acting like 7018

Maybe not, but the OP has stated they clearly say 6013 on them, eh?

 

[Thebeast]

i got a new mma welder today used the exact same rods and it works great! It’s way more smooth the rods light up pretty much straight away without having to hit them away. The arc stays all through out the weld. Il attach some pictures they look a lot better than before. I’m guessing the old ac machine was to blame.

 

[addjunkie]

So you do have a tool buying fetish! Youll fit right in.

 

[zeppelin builder]

i seem to remember someone running another
machine in series on the output stinger lead without any input power on the 2nd set it "transformed " sic the arc and i almost "choked" on my
beer
was it induction being created
over to eddie 49

 

[Jack Ryan]

i seem to remember someone running another
machine in series on the output stinger lead without any input power on the 2nd set it "transformed " sic the arc and i almost "choked" on my
beer
was it induction being created
over to eddie 49

Some people try that to gain inductance. I don't know anyone that does that.

Jack